Anthias?

crt81 · #1 12/25/2007, 10:33 PM

How difficult are anthias to keep?

Are some easier than others?

All info given would be great!!!

carb850 · #2 12/25/2007, 10:38 PM

I would like to learn more about Anthias too including which ones do better in smaller tanks and what is the minimum tank size?

tmz · #3 12/25/2007, 10:44 PM

I have found Pseudoanthias bartlettorum(Bartlets) and Psuedoanthias squampinis(lyretail anthias) to be very hardy in groups. I keep 4 bartletts in a 120gal and 4 sqaumpinis in a 90 gallon. I think 55g is about as small as I would go.

crt81 · #4 12/25/2007, 10:51 PM

Well they would go in a 65 gallon reef.

Are there any draw backs to having these fish in your tank?

Also is two anthias not good in a 65gal? Or should there only be one b/c they are a schooling fish and obviously 2 is not a school?

tmz · #5 12/25/2007, 11:03 PM

Drawbacks: They need frequent feeding at least 2 to 3 times per day. They can be aggressive to grammas, firefish and other small planktovores.

The males can be aggressive. Two may or may not work. One may harrass the other too much. One or four of the same species would be ideal. Start with females if you can. They will establish a natural hierarchy and one or more will change into males. A 65 galloon would be fine.

They are a terrific fish always out in the water column and very colorfull.

carb850 · #6 12/25/2007, 11:09 PM

Do you use an automatic feeder or something for the multiple daily feedings?

tmz · #7 12/25/2007, 11:18 PM

No, I feed twice a day. When they were new I fed 3x for the first month or so. AM some spirulina flake,some prime reef flake, a clip of dried seaweed for the herbivores,a little minced krill and a mix of pre thawed and rinsed bloodworms,mysis,brine and cyclopese with a little garlic. PM just the mix. I've heard of others who have had success with pellets and auromated feeders but have no first hand experience with them

crt81 · #8 12/25/2007, 11:29 PM

So if there will be no school (4 or more), it would be best to keep only 1 in a tank?

tmz · #9 12/25/2007, 11:33 PM

I think so. Others may disagree.

Apparition · #10 12/26/2007, 04:28 PM

Everything I've read and from the experiences of fellow hobbyists it seems to either have a group of at least 4 or just one male. Of course, your experience may vary, but that's just the norm. Any grouping in between or multiple males tends to cause aggression among the ranks.

carb850 · #11 12/26/2007, 09:58 PM

Any problems keeping a single? Are they much happier and healthier keep in groups? I would be happy with one if that works well.

vlogic · #12 12/26/2007, 10:41 PM

I agree. I would either go with a group (i.e. 4+) or just the one. But, as mentioned above, having one of these in your tank will rule out any planktovores (chalk bass, royal gramma, etc.). I have had one chase my chalk bass incessantly (the chalk bass was placed in the tank first, but unfortunately the hierarchy changed and he was found on the floor one morning).

Also, I have been fine feeding the tank daily (but I tend to overfeed). At least 2x a day would probably be the safest route.

tmz · #13 12/26/2007, 10:42 PM

I think a single will work.

vlogic · #14 12/26/2007, 10:43 PM

The only problem I have experienced with one - is that since they are faster, they tend to get most of the food, and will probably become the top dog in the tank over time.

carb850 · #15 12/26/2007, 10:51 PM

Any problem with a a single Bartlett in a 90G?

tmz · #16 12/26/2007, 10:56 PM

No

killagoby · #17 12/26/2007, 11:15 PM

I had 3 Bartletts in my 70 gallon. The male ended up on the carpet after one month so now the dominant female is now a male and one female is left. I was afraid to do Anthais as well. I heard they were hard to take care of, needed to eat all day, needed to be in packs of 1 male to 4-6 females. In my experence, all not true. The pair of Bartlett's I have are doing better than my trio did. Once they settled in and started eating they are doing great in my tank.

tmz · #18 12/26/2007, 11:22 PM

My experience with a pair of Sauampinis was not so good. The male dept the female in hiding until she perished. As for Bartlets I keep four
three morphed into males. One male stays on the side of the120gallon tank with the female and the other two stay on the other side with very little aggression. They all started as females.

killagoby · #19 12/27/2007, 09:12 AM

Bartlett's are your best bet. I was in to the 1 male to a few females at first, but they will do fine in a pair.

reeffreak2007 · #20 12/27/2007, 12:09 PM

Bartletts and Lyretails are your best bets because they eat just about anything.I don't have 4 or more of any species,just a pourporri of 1-3 of 7 different anthias.Take a look at Carberryi also,what I consider a very hardy species and the prettiest of the anthias under $50.

I recommend using the Den(Liveaquaria)for purchases.By the time they get to the LFS,most are near starvation and can come in with flukes/worms.Where ever you buy them,QT 'em.

vlogic · #21 12/27/2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reeffreak2007
Bartletts and Lyretails are your best bets because they eat just about anything.I don't have 4 or more of any species,just a pourporri of 1-3 of 7 different anthias.

Have you noticed any aggression between the different species? I was considering this, but read somewhere that it was not the best idea...

reeffreak2007 · #22 12/28/2007, 04:15 AM

They all get along fine except the male lyretail which gets a bit aggressive during feeding time.If your mixing anthias,go with the most peaceful ones first.The lyretails should be last.All the different species make for a pretty shoal from time to time.

killagoby · #23 12/28/2007, 06:12 AM

One of my LFS has a 1500 gallon tank with mixed schools. There are hundreds of different mixed species of Anthais in the tank.

eskymick · #24 12/28/2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reeffreak2007
I recommend using the Den(Liveaquaria)for purchases. By the time they get to the LFS, most are near starvation and can come in with flukes/worms. Where ever you buy them, QT 'em.

This point can't be emphasized enough.

Snapper66 · #25 12/28/2007, 07:31 PM

Bartlett Anthias are pretty tough I have two in my Community Tank they have been in with Clowns and A purple Tang for many Months now.It seems many Anthias are not real tough at least that is the word in this Hobby Books and pet shop owners I know say they are hard to get to eat.Good luck it seems best not to have them with agressive Fish they do better.